by N. Michaels
Why hasn’t he called or at least texted me? He said he wouldn’t be long…
I mutter a curse and decide to become a couch potato for the rest of the evening. I bundle up in a blanket Laura gives me, turn the TV on and switch channels until I find a cooking show. I bid Laura goodnight and watch the young aspiring chefs try to finish elaborate dishes in the time giving to them. Three and a half episodes later, my phone goes off. ‘Burning Desire’ by Lana Del Rey is the ringtone that chimes and I know its Eric without even looking at the screen. I look at the time and take a deep breath.
It’s almost midnight.
“Hello?” my voice sounds impersonal.
“Hey, kitten. I’m sorry it took me so long to call, it took a while till he surrendered.” Eric’s chuckle is barely noticeable over the background noise of laughter and chatter.
Unexplainable irritation flares in me, “Where are you?”
“We went to celebrate. I’m in 48 Lounge… is everything ok? You sound off.”
What the hell is wrong with me? He went to celebrate a success at work. I should be happy for him not being a clingy and irrational. Snap the fuck out of it Katherine!
“I’m fine, just a little sleepy… and lonely. Congratulations on nailing him. I knew you had it in you.” I giggle and he answers with a rumbling laugh.
The sound of his warm laughter smooth over my ridiculous edginess and I smile widely.
“I miss you too, kitten… you have no idea how much I want to be inside you right now.” Eric’s voice drops to a sensual growl and I shudder as my sex clenches on emptiness.
“I’ll see you tomorrow and reward you for your achievement.” I husk and hear his sharp intake of breath.
“Will you now? And what will be my reward?”
“A lady never reveals her secrets. You will have to wait and see.” I say satisfied as a plan forms in my mind for tomorrow.
Eric grunts, his breath fans across his phone, making me shiver with need as I imagine his hot breath on my neck.
“Sweet dreams, my beautiful kitten.” He purrs.
“Sweet dreams, tiger. Be good.” I say softly.
I smother the three words I’m dying to say but know I can’t say them over the phone for the first time. The moment we hang up a serene calmness settles over me. That’s what he does to me with just a phone call. All the anxiousness I felt before fades away, and I realize how much I trust him, how much I love him. Smiling, I go back to my show. Ten minutes later, I’m struggling to keep my heavy eyelids open. I turn off the TV and force myself to get to bed. I crash down and cocoon myself with my soft warm blanket. I see Eric’s wonderful smiling face in my mind, and with that perfect image, I fall into a sweet slumber.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Excitement buzzes in me as I make my way to work through the crazy streets of midtown Manhattan. Today is the day I’m back to work not only as Eric’s executive assistant, but also as his girlfriend. I don’t know why I am so hyped up about it. I’m reacting like a fifteen-year-old girl.
I step into the elevator and with every level I ascend, my heart pulses harder and faster and I feel near damn giddy just at the thought of seeing Eric again. It hasn’t been that long since I last saw him, but I can’t help my craving for him, my undeniable yearning to be with him every second I got, to touch him, to taste him, to feel him.
Oh good God… Now I got myself all worked up. I take a deep calming breath and step out of the elevator, heading towards my office. I fidget with the strand of pearls around my neck, and smooth my nervous hand over my powder pink sheath dress.
Calm down woman… you saw him yesterday.
But something is different in the air. Something more official, or maybe it’s all in my head. I greet Rose and enter my office. Immediately, my eyes flicker to the glass wall and I freeze in my spot.
What the actual fuck?
Eric is leaning back against the front of his desk. He’s dressed in a sharp black suit and pale blue shirt with a matching baby-blue tie. His massive arms are crossed against his broad chest, and he is scowling at the woman sitting in front of him. Fucking Eliza. Jealousy flashes in me and possessiveness claws at my chest. I take another deep breath, drop my cream Chanel purse on my desk and open the glass door. Eric’s eyes shift from her to me. The moment our eyes lock, he turns into a living marble statue.
“Good morning.” I smile a well-trained smile I always used when I was forced to socialize with my parents co-workers.
“Oh, Katherine! Hello, good to see you.” Eliza rises from her chair and turns to face me.
My mask slips in, “Thank you. What brings you here today?”
She swallows nervously, “Umm… well, I actually stopped by to speak to you… both of you.”
She looks at Eric, but he’s still rooted to the spot and apparently forgotten how to speak. I cross the room and stand next to Eric. I mimic his position and lean against his desk.
“By all means, go ahead.” I say.
She smooth her hand over her perfectly styled blonde hair, a nervous tick I presume.
“I came to apologize to the both of you. The way I behaved in the Gala was atrocious. I feel horrible for hurting you both. I should have never said those terrible things. It was truly horrible of me. I’m sorry.” She smiles, but her eyes are cold, like two ice cubes staring at me.
I don’t believe a word you say… you must think I’ve never dealt with your kind.
I glance over at Eric and when he looks at me, I see it in his eyes. He’s letting me take the lead.
“We accept you apology, but I doubt we will ever be in the same social circle again.”
I look back at Eliza, finding that I was right. Even though she’s controlling her facial expressions, she can’t hide the anger and hatred in her eyes. Satisfaction blooms in me, but I’m able to conceal it and portray a calm demeanor.
“I really don’t want to lose your friendship, Eric.” Eliza pleads Eric with puppy eyes.
No, you don’t want to lose his status, money and the endless orgasms he gave you with his amazing cock… I get it. But you don’t always get what you want. Sorry…
Eric warps his arm around me, pulls me closer to him.
“I’m sorry, Eliza, but like Katherine said, we accept your apology but that’s where we say our goodbyes.” He says with finality.
Eliza’s gaze drops to the floor and her body trembles with what I assume is undiluted rage.
“I wish you the best.” She says through gritted teeth, then turns around and leaves the office.
I exhale softly and look up at Eric. “Well that was a great way to start the week.”
His eyebrows lift, “You have no idea.”
Softly, I stroke his cheek, “Thank you for backing me up.”
“Don’t thank me for what is my duty to do.” Eric’s hand lifts to the small of my back, like he can’t help but touch me.
“And what duty is that?” I whisper.
“To protect you, to stand by you, to help you, to cherish you, and my most favorite part, to worship you, body and soul.” His eyes heat up in an instant and I have to bite down my lip to hold back a moan.
“That sound like a very hard duty.” I murmur and lift my head slightly, bringing out lips an inch away.
“Kitten, the only thing that’s hard is me,” he quietly growls and pulls me against him, letting me feel his raging erection.
I gasp and he closes the tiny gap between our lips. It’s hedonic how his body presses against mine, how his firm lips glide softly against mine, how his expert tongue slides in and out of my mouth, exploring it, consuming me with his passionate kiss. I grip Eric’s shoulders as he deepens the kiss, but when I hear my desk phone ring I pull away.
“Time for work.” I pant lightly and give him a quick peck.
Eric shakes his head, “Never thought I would be the one who wouldn’t want to go back to work.”
I giggle and walk towards my ringing desk phone. Right before I close
the door behind me, I glance back at him. He’s still in the same position watching my every move.
“I hope you didn’t forget about your reward.” I wink and the turquoise depths of his eyes burn brighter with undeniable desire.
The moment I got back to my desk, I was swamped with work. Answering calls and making Eric’s schedule for future meetings, and boy was he going to be busy in these two upcoming weeks. Between meetings and invitations to events, Eric’s booked back to back. I wondered if I needed to schedule some time for him to use the bathroom.
As lunchtime approaches, I begin my preparations to reward Eric. I call the restaurant across the street and order lunch. A rib-eye steak with a side of grilled asparagus and garlic mash potatoes for Eric, and broiled salmon with their specialty sauce and some sparkling water for myself.
When Eric leaves his office for a few moments, I silently prey for the delivery to arrive while he’s gone. Twenty minutes later, still no Eric and no food. Just when I’m about to pick up the phone to call the restaurant, a knock sounds on my office door. I open the door and let the young delivery guy into Eric’s office. I pay him and set the glass coffee table in the sitting area in Eric’s office. I keep the plastic containers closed so the food won’t cool down, and as I place the San Pellegrino bottle on the coffee table, Eric walks in.
“Whoa, what’s this?” he looks at me, surprised.
“Lunch time. Time to keep you full and happy, I cleared your schedule for forty minutes.”
I settle down on the chocolate brown leather couch and slowly cross my legs. Eric’s eyes follow my legs movement and without breaking his gaze from them he speaks, “I thought we were going to try that new Japanese place.”
“If we would, I wouldn’t be able to give you your reward.”
Eric’s eyes snap up to mine. The wicked gleam in them heats my blood. I feel my body purr with anticipation.
“I like the sound of that.”
“I thought you would. Come on, let’s eat before it cools down.”
Eric reaches me with two long, elegant strides and settles down beside me. He pulls me over his lap and I put my arms around his neck. I look at this man that takes my breath away. This man that I love, and bask in his warmth, in the way he’s looking at me, like there is only me, like nothing else matters. Just us. I touch my lips to his and kiss him softly.
“Time to eat.” I whisper against his sinful lips.
“Good. I’m starving… for you.” Eric clamps his teeth on my lower lip and bites down lightly, sending goose bumps all over my body.
“There will be time for that, but you’ve got four meetings today and I want you full and focused.”
He groans, “Fine. But you’re feeding me.”
“That was my intention all along.” I wink.
After feeding Eric his lunch piece by piece, licking extra sauce of the corner of his mouth and enjoying him returning the gesture, I’m ready to reward him. I take a final sip from my glass and place it on the coffee table. I rise off of Eric’s lap and lock the door.
“Press the blue button on my desk.” he husks.
I walk to his massive dark desk and press ‘Mute’ on his desk phone, then the blue button. I glance up, finding the glass wall and door now frosted and opaque.
“Wow, that’s a neat trick. How come you’ve never used it before?” I walk towards him achingly slow.
“I have the sexiest view, why would I want to hide it?” Eric’s voice trails off as I reach him.
My knee settles on the couch between his legs and I lean forward, steadying myself with my hands on his shoulders. Eric’s warm hand lifts to caress my cheek then curls behind my neck, pulling me to him. Our mouths collide and we kiss wildly, nipping and sucking, our tongues teasing one another. His free hand glides up the inside of my thigh and I moan helplessly when he reaches my drenched panties and moves them to the side.
“Ah fuck,” he growls and begins to stroke me roughly.
My hips undulate in needy motions, begging for more. More touch, more kisses, more of him. I whimper at my desperate hunger for him and as if he senses it, Eric slips two fingers inside me. I gasp and lower my hand down his body. His chest is radiating heat into my palm, rising and falling with the urgent breaths he takes. I reach his abs then guide my hand lower until I fumble with the zipper of his pants as I shamelessly ride his fingers. I manage to pull the zipper down and reach for him. I find him hot, hard and ready. My fingertips tease him, root to tip until he jerks beneath me.
“I need… inside you.” Eric gasps into my mouth.
He removes his hand from my nape and lifts my dress up. I straddle him but the moment he removes his fingers, a knock sounds on his door, stopping us. I pull back, my eyes wide and I feel my face heating up. Eric’s hand grips my hip tightly and he closes his eyes. He rests his head back, taking deep calming breathes.
“One moment.” He calls out to the knocker.
I try to rise but Eric’s grip on my hip pins me down. His eyes open slowly and I see in them that the fire hasn’t vanished but subsided. He leans closer to me, bringing his lips to my ear.
“I’ll have to take a rain check on that reward.” He whispers.
Eric lifts the fingers that were inside me into his mouth. He sucks on them slowly then slides them out, smirking. “Thank you for lunch, it was finger-licking good.”
I bite down on my lower lip to subdue the bubbling laughter that is threatening to escape.
Good God, I love him.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” I whisper.
Eric helps me up and arranges himself while I fix my panties and pull my dress down. We both inhale deeply at the same time then laugh quietly. I run my fingers through my hair, making sure every strand is in its place while Eric moves behind me, his hot breath fans across my ear.
“I’ll take that reward tonight, so be prepared.” His voice holds so much promise, that I shiver against him.
He places a soft kiss on the sensitive spot below my ear and urges me forward to open the door.
Stumbling, I try to regain my composure. Eric can really bring me to my knees. I glance at him and when I see him taking out a small sanitizer bottle and squirting some on his hands, I head to the door. The man standing before me with a sly smile is no other than Patrick Green.
Taken by surprise, I stammer with my words. “H – hi, Patrick, I mean, Mr. Green. Please, enter.”
I move back, allowing Patrick to walk in. I turn around and look at Eric. His business as usual façade is back and if I weren’t looking for it, I would’ve missed the slight pressure in his closed jaw.
“Patrick, I’m not expecting you for another three months or so. Is everything all right?” Eric asks while shaking Patrick’s hand.
Good thinking with that sanitizer.
“Everything is great. Father sends his regards. I just wanted to stop by and say hello. I’m in New York for the week and I was thinking about taking you and Miss Slav out to lunch, but I see you beat me to it.”
I follow Patrick’s eyes and find the coffee table covered with the now empty boxes and dirty utensils.
“I’ll take care of that.” I mutter quickly, moving to clean up the mess.
“I’m sorry, Patrick. I’m pretty swamped with meetings right now. Let’s catch up later this week.” Eric’s tone sounds nonchalant, but I know that deep inside he’s not happy about Patrick’s interruption. I gather all the empty boxes and with an unused napkin, wipe the glass table clean. I exit the room and throw out the garbage. When I come back, the glass door is clear again so I look through it, finding Eric sitting behind his desk, in conversation with Patrick, who’s still standing. Trying to push away the naughty feeling of almost getting caught, I look over at my screen and pull up Eric’s schedule.
He’s got an appointment with Mrs. Stein in five minutes.
In the meantime, I type a list of assignment for myself for the upcoming week. I’m going to be busy running around.
The glass door opens and Patrick saunters in. My eyes flash to Eric for a moment then back to Patrick, but it takes me just that split second to see Eric’s pissed off expression.
“You never called me back.” Patrick tilts his head to the side and narrows his eyes at me. Not a question.
“I know, I’m sorry. I don’t believe in long-distant relationships. I – “
“We could have made it work, Katherine. I am able to hop on a plane and come see you at anytime you would have desired.” Patrick says softly.
That would have been a nice idea if I hadn’t had Eric. But I do, so it makes no sense to me to talk about this.
“Patrick, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I have a boyfriend.” I smile apologetically.
Patrick’s brown eyes harden and his eyebrows pull down. “Is it Eric?”
I raise my chin slightly, “It is.”
His lips form a sneer and he scoffs. “Figures. I saw it when we were in Miami, the way he looked at you. I just never thought you’d go for someone like that.” He shakes his head and backs away from my desk.
Patrick lowers his eyes and takes a deep breath then he looks up at me.
“Good luck, Katherine. You’ll need it.” and with those words hanging between us, Patrick walks out of the room.
My eyes are still strained on the door Patrick closed behind himself when I hear Eric’s voice.
“What was that all about?” Eric’s words have an edge of irritation.
What was that all about? What did Patrick mean, someone like that? And why would I need luck? What did Patrick know that I didn’t? Is Eric hiding something from me?
With my eyes still on the door I answer, “He just wanted a date. I told him I have a boyfriend.” My voice comes out guarded.
“Are you ok?” he asks concerned.
When my eyes leave the door and settle on him, I catch a flashing red light go off on my desk phone in my peripheral vision, letting me know the next appointment has arrived.
“Mrs. Stein is here.” I lift the receiver to give Rose the green light to let the woman into Eric’s office.
